At ChiroHealthUSA, we believe the success of your practice should never come at the expense of your integrity. That’s why we’re sharing a recent—and unfortunate—reminder of how serious the consequences can be when billing procedures aren’t followed.
Last week, the Department of Justice announced that a chiropractor in Louisiana was convicted of health care fraud and unemployment insurance fraud. According to court records, Dr. Benjamin Tekippe, owner of Metairie Chiropractic & Rehab, was found guilty of billing Blue Cross Blue Shield of Louisiana for chiropractic services that were never performed. In fact, some of the claims were submitted while he was out of town—or even behind bars. (DOJ, 2025)
In an effort to deceive auditors, he also instructed his staff to falsify patient records, even having them write in their own handwriting to make the notes look more authentic. If that wasn’t enough, he also fraudulently collected unemployment benefits while actively working and billing insurance. The total amount of false claims? Over $2.3 million. The consequences? Federal conviction, fines, and potential jail time.
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So, what does this mean for your office?
It’s a cautionary tale that every member of your team—doctors, chiropractic assistants, and billing staff—should take to heart. There is no shortcut worth taking when it comes to proper billing, documentation, and compliance. Even honest mistakes can lead to audits and headaches, but intentional fraud can destroy careers and reputations. (David J. Goldberg, 2021)
At ChiroHealthUSA, we’ve seen how great chiropractic teams thrive when they invest in training and systems that ensure correct billing procedures. That means billing for services that are medically necessary and provided, documenting each visit accurately, and staying on top of payer guidelines. It also means fostering a culture where your team feels confident asking questions and double-checking procedures because you’re all accountable for the same standard. Check out our webinar archive to learn from the experts on proper billing and coding procedures.
Want to grow your practice the right way?
We’re here to help with that, too. One of the most powerful tools you can implement is a Profitable Discount Strategy through ChiroHealthUSA. With this simple, compliant solution, you can legally offer discounts to patients who pay out of pocket—without violating insurance contracts or reducing your clinic’s revenue. It’s a win-win for your patients and your practice. There is ZERO-COST to you as a provider so click here to learn more!
Instead of giving away care or risking compliance issues, you can grow your patient base and improve profitability smartly—by staying ethical, compliant, and patient-focused.
The bottom line?
Your success should be sustainable and rooted in integrity. The temptation to cut corners or “fudge” documentation may seem harmless in the moment, but it can have long-lasting and devastating effects. Take this recent case as a reminder: there’s a right way to build a profitable, thriving practice—and ChiroHealthUSA is here to help you do just that.
If you haven’t already, let’s talk about how a Profitable Discount Strategy can support your goals and keep your practice on the right track.
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Dr. Ray Foxworth, DC, FICC, is the visionary behind ChiroHealthUSA, serving as its esteemed founder and CEO. With over 39 years of dedicated service in chiropractic care, Dr. Foxworth has navigated the complexities of billing, coding, documentation, and compliance firsthand. His rich experience includes roles as the former Staff Chiropractor at the G.V. Sonny Montgomery VA Medical Center and past chairman of the Chiropractic Summit and Mississippi Department of Health.
Dr. Foxworth is deeply committed to advancing the chiropractic profession, which is evident through his leadership roles. He is an at-large board member of the Chiropractic Future Strategic Plan and holds an executive board position with the Foundation for Chiropractic Progress.
